Metcalfe v. Battaile
Metcalfe v. Battaile
Opinion of the Court
The court is of opinion, that if the writing on which the action in this case was founded, could be consid
But the court is, at the same time, of opinion, that this writing is not of that character, and that, therefore, ^neither the interest, nor a final judgment for the principal sum could be given upon it, without the intervention of a jury. It is not a writing for the payment of money absolutely, but a collateral contract to pay it under certain circumstances. The opinion of this court discriminating between these two classes of contracts has been heretofore given, and particularly in the cases of Ruffin v. Call, (
The court is therefore of opinion, that the judgment of the Superior court be affirmed, by which the interest and damages will be hereafter assessed under a writ of enquiry. It is the right of the appellee to reverse this erroneous proceeding altogether, and thus be let into his objections on the merits, instead of being subjected to pay the principal sum, under the consent of the appellant.
Brooke absent.
(g) See 1 New Code, 508, § 79.
(h) 2 Munf. 834.
(i) 4 Munf. 76.
(k) 2 Wash. 181.
(l) 2 Call 232.
Case-law data current through December 31, 2025. Source: CourtListener bulk data.